Are the SF Giants gearing up for another roster move?

The SF Giants were dealt a tough blow on Friday as Roberto Pérez sustained a right shoulder strain while trying to throw out a would-be base stealer. The severity of the injury is not yet known but the Giants are taking no chances as Austin Wynns is likely on his way back to San Francisco

Are the SF Giants gearing up for another roster move?

Wynns, who finished the 2022 season with the Giants, was originally scheduled to be in Friday's lineup for the Sacramento River Cats, but he was replaced by Shane Matheny before the game started.

This is likely a sign that Wynns is on his way to San Francisco. It could be a precautionary move, but it is not a good sign for Pérez. The veteran catcher has appeared in just 101 games over the past four seasons while missing significant time due to injury. This includes just 21 games last year after suffering a hamstring strain that required season-ending surgery.

The Giants were already light on catching depth to start the year, but the issue is worsened if Pérez is unable to go. Of course, the easy call would be to activate Joey Bart. Bart landed on the injured list to start the year with a mild back strain.

However, that roster move was retroactive to the first game of the season on March 31, so Bart is not eligible to return for a minimum of 10 days. That said, it does sound like he will begin a rehab assignment soon enough.

So, Wynns could potentially join Blake Sabol as the Giants' catching core. Sabol had just 94 games of pro experience behind the dish before the start of this season, so the Giants need an experienced veteran to add to the mix.

Wynns has that experience. San Francisco acquired him in a midseason trade with the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Michael Plassmeyer. Wynns slashed .259/.313/.358 (90 OPS+) with three home runs, 21 RBI, and 14 runs in 177 plate appearances last year.

The 32-year-old does not offer a ton of offensive upside, but he was the Giants' best defensive catcher in 2022 and became a preferred option for several pitchers down the stretch.

You might be wondering what is up with Gary Sánchez after he signed a minor league deal last week. Well, he has yet to appear in a game while also not having a normal spring training. Sánchez should get into game action in the minors soon, but he still needs some time to ramp up baseball activities.